How to Grow Cherries in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

How to Grow Cherries in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Cherries are a delightful addition to any garden, offering sweet or tart fruits that are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. Known for their beautiful blossoms and delicious fruit, cherry trees are both ornamental and productive. February is the ideal time to plant bare-root cherry trees, prune existing trees, and prepare for a fruitful growing season.

This guide provides everything you need to know about growing cherries successfully in February, from selecting the best varieties to planting and caring for your trees.

Introduction: Why Grow Cherries in February?

February is an excellent time to establish or maintain cherry trees, as they are dormant and less prone to transplant shock. Whether you’re planting bare-root saplings, pruning mature trees, or preparing the soil, starting early ensures strong growth and abundant harvests in summer. With proper care, cherry trees can provide years of delicious fruit and stunning springtime blossoms.

1. Choosing the Best Cherry Varieties

Cherries are divided into two main types: sweet cherries and sour cherries. Choosing the right variety depends on your climate, space, and how you plan to use the fruit.

1.1 Sweet Cherries

‘Stella’: A self-fertile variety producing large, dark, and sweet cherries.
‘Sunburst’: Known for its juicy, firm fruit and resistance to cracking.
‘Lapins’: A self-fertile variety with excellent flavor and high yields.

1.2 Sour Cherries

‘Morello’: Perfect for baking and preserves, with tart, flavorful fruit.
‘Montmorency’: A traditional pie cherry known for its bright red fruit and high yields.

1.3 Compact and Dwarf Varieties

‘Gisela 5 Rootstock’: Ideal for small gardens or containers, producing sweet cherries.
‘Dwarf Stella’: A compact version of the classic ‘Stella,’ perfect for patios.

2. Planting Cherry Trees in February

2.1 Bare-Root Cherry Trees

Planting bare-root cherry trees in February allows the roots to establish before the growing season begins.

How to Plant:
1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
3. Position the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union (the swollen area above the roots) is above the soil line.
4. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
5. Stake the tree for support, especially in windy areas.

2.2 Container Planting

Use a pot at least 18 inches wide and deep with good drainage.
Fill with a mix of loamy soil and compost, and plant a self-fertile or compact variety.

3. Pruning Cherry Trees in February

Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy cherry trees and encouraging fruit production.

3.1 Winter Pruning for Established Trees

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
Thin overcrowded areas to improve airflow and light penetration.
Shape the tree by removing crossing or poorly positioned branches.

3.2 Summer Pruning for Young Trees

For younger trees, focus on developing a strong framework by encouraging evenly spaced branches.

3.3 Avoid Over-Pruning

Avoid cutting too much in one session, as cherries are prone to gumming (sap leakage).

4. Caring for Cherry Trees

4.1 Watering

Water newly planted trees regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mature trees require less frequent watering, except during dry spells or fruiting.

4.2 Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth and fruit production.
Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and improve soil health.

4.3 Pollination

Many sweet cherries require cross-pollination, so plant compatible varieties nearby or choose self-fertile types like ‘Stella’ or ‘Lapins.’
Sour cherries are mostly self-fertile and do not require a pollination partner.

4.4 Pest and Disease Control

Protect fruit from birds with netting during the ripening period.
Monitor for pests like aphids and cherry fruit flies, treating with organic or chemical solutions as needed.

5. Common Cherry Tree Problems

5.1 Pests

Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage natural predators like ladybirds.
Cherry Fruit Flies: Use traps or protective netting to prevent infestations.

5.2 Diseases

Brown Rot: Prune affected branches and remove infected fruit.
Leaf Spot: Remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.

6. Harvesting Cherries

6.1 When to Harvest

Sweet cherries are ready to harvest in early to mid-summer when they are fully colored and firm.
Sour cherries ripen slightly later and are ready when they pull easily from the tree.

6.2 How to Harvest

Gently pick cherries by hand, leaving the stems attached to extend their storage life.
Handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising.

6.3 Storing Cherries

Fresh cherries can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze cherries whole or pitted in airtight containers.

7. Benefits of Growing Cherries

Delicious and Versatile: Perfect for fresh eating, baking, preserving, and more.
Beautiful Blossoms: Cherry trees provide stunning spring blooms that enhance any garden.
Compact Options: Dwarf and container varieties make cherries accessible to small-space gardeners.
Long-Lived Trees: With proper care, cherry trees can produce fruit for 20 years or more.

Conclusion: Start Growing Cherries for Sweet and Tart Harvests

Growing cherries in February is an excellent way to set your garden up for a fruitful year. By planting bare-root trees, pruning correctly, and providing proper care, you’ll enjoy abundant harvests of delicious cherries. Whether you prefer sweet or sour varieties, cherries are a rewarding and beautiful addition to any garden.

Happy gardening! 🌸🍒